Barbara Schmidt

Since 2007, Barbara Schmidt has been the general secretary of Oesterreichs Energie, the interest group representing Austria’s electricity industry. Prior to that, she was a public affairs consultant at Kovar & Köppl Public Affairs Consulting GmbH. From 2001 to 2005, Schmidt worked in the legal department of Energie-Control Austria. She was responsible for setting up and managing the conciliation board for retail disputes. From 1997 to 2001, she served as parliamentary group advisor in the Austrian Parliament with her responsibilities focusing on energy, telecommunications, transport and EU affairs. She also contributed to the legislative implementation of electricity market liberalisation in Austria.

Photo: Oesterreichs Energie

She is a coach and mediator. She studied law at the University of Vienna, completing both her diploma and doctorate.

“Shaping our energy future is not just a technological project, it is a major social responsibility. We will only succeed at this if we all work together: the industry, the politicians, the customers and academia.” 

— Barbara Schmidt